Please state your name and the program that you're pursuing.

My name is Chioma Okoye. The program I'm pursuing is Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.

Tell us about your professional and educational background before starting in Saint Joe's ABSN program.

I worked as an Accountant in Nigeria because I had Associate Degree in Accounting before I came over to United States. I had an associate degree in Biological Sciences, and recently graduated in Healthcare Administration. While I was doing all these studies, I've been working as a Nurse Assistant.

What inspired you to become a nurse? Do you have a personal story to share with us?

During my teenage (years), there was a novel about Florence Nightingale. Our instructor explained that she was known as a lady with a lamp. During the Crimean war, she was going from one camp to the other at night with her lamp; trying to heal the sick, trying to attend to the poor. That story resonated with me and I thought, I have to do this job. I need to go into nursing program in order to make sure I touch the patients and go to where they're critically in need of nurses. I believe pursuing nursing is to fulfill my destiny.  

Why did you choose Saint Joseph's College of Maine?

I chose Saint Joseph’s College of Maine because of my religion…I am of Catholic background. So, the moment I read about Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, I quit other schools that gave me admission. This is where I belong. That's why I'm here.

Walk us through how you're feeling about Saint Joseph’s hybrid ABSN on-campus immersion. Have any moments stood out to you?

I feel so excited. The environment is just like a community. You are welcomed. Coming into the campus itself, we're just like a family.

Tell us about your experience through the admissions process. How did working with your enrollment advisor, Megan, impact your experience at Saint Joe’s?

Megan needs an award. I am telling you. She'll follow you 'til the end of your journey. Megan Moore followed me on daily basis. I call Megan Moore at odd hours; Megan Moore answers my call. Even if she was not there, I left a message. The next moment, she'll either text or call back.  

What advice do you have for potential students who are considering enrolling in Saint Joe's Hybrid ABSN?

My advice to my peers or fellow students trying to come in: come on in. Here is where you belong. Come on in, read, study, you'll make it. You have professional instructors who are down to earth [and] ready to answer your questions at any time.

How do you plan to make an impact on your community as a nurse?

How I want to have an impact in my community [is] to start where they're critically in need of nurses because I want to make meaning into people's life. Where there they are desperately in need of nurses, that's where I want to go in order to fulfill my aspiration of Florence Nightingale, because she went to critical areas.  

What excites you the most about your ABSN nursing journey?

I am fulfilled. Nursing is my passion… it's part of my destiny.

How do you feel about the quality of your classes, peers and professors at St. Joseph’s College?

They are professionals. They are down to earth. They are good. They're humble. I feel, the teachers that we've just met, they're born teachers. They know what they're doing. They have answers to every question [and] they're very understanding.